Apology accepted? Probably not by the majority of players, officials and fans who have something to do with the early exits of England and Mexico from the World Cup in South Africa on Sunday. Read more

If you thought things were bad for England at the World Cup then have a look at how the France world cup odds to win have changed. Read more

Since taking over the national team a year and a half ago, it hasn’t all been smooth sailing for Diego Maradona. In the World Cup 2010 qualifying campaign in which they suffered defeats to Colombia, Paraguay, Ecuador, Chile and Brazil, it was the humiliating 6-1 defeat at the hands on Bolivia that nearly ended Maradona’s time as Argentina boss. They managed to reach the last qualification spot ahead of Uruguay but many weren’t convinced Maradona was the right choice as national coach. Their performance so far in this tournament will have gone some way to changing opinion. Read more

There is some way to go before this World Cup is remembered as the tournament of upsets. Switzerland’s defeat of Spain was the most surprising result since 2002, but the collective acts of giant-killing in South Korea and Japan have not yet been repeated. France’s impending first round elimination is simply not enough of a surprise to most world cup 2010 betting pundits. Read more

On the eve of England’s first game, it is almost time for the talking to stop and the football to start. There is one significant revelation to be made though – the starting eleven for the encounter with USA tomorrow. Read more